Rose Marie Folder Powell

Rose, 88, passed away at home on July 3, 2014, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born May 12, 1926 in Auburn, Illinois to Joseph and Bertha Folder. She lived in Springfield, Illinois until high school graduation.

Rose played professional baseball in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. She was a pitcher and outfielder for the Kenosha (Wisconsin) Comets. She and fellow members of the league were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. The women’s story is made famous by the movie “A League of Their Own”.

After her time in baseball Rose married Edward Powell and they began their married life in Wisconsin. In 1954 they moved their young family to the Snoqualmie Valley.

Rose spent many, many years as an in-home daycare provider. Known affectionately as Grandma Rose, she shaped the lives of countless young people in the town of Carnation.

Rose is survived by her daughter Barbara McGowan, son Roger (RuthAnn) Powell, daughter Rita (Ken) Sutter, daughter Mary Ellen (Gene) Gilmore, eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Alice Griffith, brother Bob (Mary) Folder, and brother Mike (Carol) Folder, all of Springfield, Illinois. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Powell, daughter Susan Powell, son David Powell and son-in-law Lonnie (Mac) McGowan. She was also preceded by her brothers John, Richard, Jim and sister Ruth Ann.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Carnation Elementary School, Carnation, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL.org) in Rose’s memory.